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“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” - Proverbs 22:6As parents, we often wonder when to begin teaching our kids about money. The simple answer? It’s never too early. In fact, a study by Purdue University found that most of our lifelong money habits are formed by the age of seven. That’s a sobering realization—but also a hopeful one. Because with intentionality and biblical wisdom, we can help our children become faithful stewards from an early age.Here’s how to begin—step by step.Ages 3–5: Needs, Wants, and WorshipEven toddlers can begin to understand the basics of money. Start by teaching the difference between needs and wants. A home, food, and clothing? Those are needs. But that cereal with a cartoon character? That’s a want—and a perfect conversation starter.As you shop, ask your child to name which items fall into which category. Then take the opportunity to remind them: God provides all our needs and blesses us with more than we deserve.Begin using

“We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.” - Romans 6:6Being born again in Christ changes a person. We’re given a new nature that fights against our old, corrupt nature. Sometimes, the evidence of this is in the area of finances. Straight ahead—a journey to faithful stewardship.Bobby’s TestimonyIt's always a great privilege to connect with people, answer their financial questions, and offer help whenever possible. Recently, we spoke with Bobby from Nebraska, whose story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith and determination.Bobby was in a tough spot. He had accumulated significant debt, including a car repossession, delinquent medical and credit card debt, and unpaid overdraft loans sent to collections. However, despite his financial struggles, Bobby was determined to turn his life around. When asked if anything had changed in his life since accumulating that debt, Bobby sh

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 5:3In the final episode of our Financial Ethics series, we’re tackling a message that promises health and wealth—but often leads to heartache: the prosperity gospel. Dr. David W. Jones joins us to unpack its dangers and point us back to a truly biblical view of blessing and provision.Dr. David W. Jones is Senior Professor of Christian Ethics at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He holds a Ph.D. in Christian Financial Ethics and is the co-author of Health, Wealth, and Happiness: How the Prosperity Gospel Overshadows the Gospel of Christ by Dr. W. Jones and Russell S. Woodbridge.Faith Is Not a TransactionOne of the most dangerous ideas in the prosperity gospel is that faith guarantees financial prosperity. It treats faith like a force—a tool believers can wield to compel God’s blessings.But biblical faith isn’t self-generated or transactional. It is a gift from God, a response to His revealed grace, and a means by which we

In today’s world, scarcity seems to be everywhere. Not enough money. Not enough time. Not enough security. It’s easy to live like we’re always behind, always grasping, always worried. But is that the full story?Here at FaithFi, we believe Scripture paints a different picture—one where scarcity isn’t the final word. Instead, through Christ, we’re invited to live with hope, wisdom, and trust in God’s abundant care.The Root of ScarcityThe fear of “not having enough” isn’t new. Ever since sin entered the world, our hearts have struggled with distrust. In John 10:10, Jesus describes the enemy as a thief who “comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” And that’s what a scarcity mindset does. It steals peace, kills joy, and destroys our trust in God’s provision.This mindset urges us to hoard instead of share, grasp instead of give, and stress instead of rest. It traps us in anxiety—a form of slavery where our lives are defined by what we lack instead of who God is.Jesus doesn’t leave us in fear. In the second half o

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” - Proverbs 17:22As we wrap up our series on the temperaments and how they impact our financial decisions, we’re turning the tables a bit. Today, Kathleen Edelman—who’s been our guide through this journey—is taking the host seat to interview Rob West about the Yellow temperament.Kathleen Edelman is the author of I Said This, You Heard That: How Your Wiring Colors Your Communication. She is certified in Biblical Studies and Christian Counseling Psychology and has spent over 30 years coaching clients in the art of effective communication.What Is the Yellow Temperament?The yellow temperament, known as sanguine, is characterized by high energy, optimism, and a deep desire for connection. Yellows are extroverted and people-oriented, speaking the language of fun and relationships. They often bring joy, inspiration, and laughter into every environment they enter. However, they also face challenges, particularly in areas such as focus, follow-

College students may be pros at pulling off last-minute study sessions, but when it comes to finances, cramming just doesn’t cut it.Everyone often needs a budget, and for college students, that is even more crucial. Today, Dr. Kelly Rush joins us with practical budgeting advice every college student should hear.Dr. Kelly Rush is a Professor of Finance, Department Chair, and Financial Planning Program Coordinator at Mount Vernon Nazarene University in Ohio. Why Budgeting Matters More Than You ThinkProverbs 22:6 tells us to “train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” That’s not just true for spiritual instruction—it applies to money too. The habits we form in college, for better or worse, often follow us into adulthood. And if students don’t develop intentional stewardship during these formative years, they may face regrets down the road that could’ve been avoided.Most students know they shouldn’t spend recklessly, but they often don’t know where their money is goi

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.”With those words, Warren Buffett reminded us that character and integrity matter—especially in the world of money. Now, after more than sixty years of market-shaping moves and famous one-liners, Buffett is calling it a career. Today, Matt Bell joins us to reflect on his legacy and share what timeless lessons every investor can learn from it.Matt Bell is the Managing Editor at Sound Mind Investing, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. A Track Record That’s Hard to IgnoreIf you had invested $100 in Berkshire Hathaway back in 1965, that single investment would have grown to over $5.5 million by the end of last year. Compare that with the S&P 500 over the same period, which would have turned $100 into just $39,000. Clearly, Buffett did something different.One unconventional move? He never issued dividends for Berkshire Hathaway, instead reinvesting profits to increase share value. Tha

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” - Hebrews 13:5Sports betting is more popular—and more accepted—than ever, even among Christians. But is it just harmless fun, or something more? Dr. David W. Jones returns to our financial ethics series to help us examine what Scripture says about gambling and how believers should approach it.Dr. David W. Jones is Senior Professor of Christian Ethics at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He holds a Ph.D. in Christian Financial Ethics and is the author of Every Good Thing: An Introduction to the Material World and the Common Good for Christians.What Does Scripture Say About Gambling?Proverbs 13:11 reminds us that:“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.”Gambling, which includes sports betting, bypasses God’s designed rhythm of work and reward. 1 Timothy 6:9 warns that the desire to get rich quickly leads people into “r

“The simple believe everything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” — Proverbs 14:15In an age where scams are becoming more sophisticated by the day, Scripture reminds us that discernment isn’t optional—it’s essential. As believers, protecting the resources God has entrusted to us is more than a practical concern—it’s an act of stewardship. Here’s how you can guard your finances with wisdom, not fear.Scams Are Everywhere—But So Is WisdomFraudsters use every channel available: phone calls, text messages, emails, and even impersonations of people you trust. But as followers of Christ, we’re not called to panic. We’re called to walk in wisdom (Ephesians 5:15). That begins with slowing down and thinking critically.Pause before you respond. Scammers rely on urgency. If someone pressures you to act immediately—whether claiming your account is locked or your money is at risk—take a step back. Hang up. Verify the source independently. Urgency is often a red flag. Avoid untraceable payments. No legitimate or

“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.” - 1 Corinthians 14:33We’re continuing our series on temperaments—how our God-given wiring shapes the way we communicate, relate to others, and make financial decisions. Kathleen Edelman is back with us, joined by Andrew Stanley, as we take a closer look at the Blue temperament and its influence on our approach to money.Kathleen Edelman is the author of I Said This, You Heard That: How Your Wiring Colors Your Communication. She is certified in Biblical Studies and Christian Counseling Psychology and has spent over 30 years coaching clients in the art of effective communication.Andrew Stanley is a nationally touring stand-up comedian who’s been performing across the country since 2016. You can learn more at AndrewStanleyComedy.com. In this episode, he also joins us as our representative for the Blue Temperament.The Four Temperaments in a NutshellBefore diving into blue specifically, Kathleen offers a quick primer o

Three words that can make any parent’s wallet flinch: “Back to school.” But there’s a silver lining—especially if your state has a tax-free weekend.For families gearing up for a new school year, those tax holidays can make a real difference. Today, Crystal Paine shares smart, practical ways to get prepared and save money along the way.Crystal Paine is the founder of MoneySavingMom.com and the author of The Money Saving Mom's Budget: Slash Your Spending, Pay Down Your Debt, Streamline Your Life, and Save Thousands a Year. Does Your State Participate?Not every state offers a tax-free weekend, and the rules vary widely from state to state. Crystal recommends checking your state’s Department of Revenue or the Federation of Tax Administrators for up-to-date information.Understand what qualifies, as in some states, clothing must be under $100, and online purchases often count—if ordered and paid for within the specified window. Even if you’re not shopping for back-to-school items, this can still be a good time to p

What if your investments could do more than grow your wealth? What if they could also fight injustice, uplift your neighbor, and even bring joy to the world? Joy probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind when you think about investing, but maybe it should be. Robin John joins us today to share how investing can be more than financial—it can be deeply spiritual.Robin John is the CEO at Eventide Asset Management, LLC. Views expressed in this podcast are intended for information purposes and do not constitute investment advice. Eventide does not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. Eventide's values-based approach to investing may not produce desired results and could result in underperformance compared with other investments. There is no guarantee that any investment will achieve its objectives, generate positive returns, or avoid losses.A Life-Changing Encounter in IndiaRobin was just 23 years old when his employer sent him to Pune, India, to support an outsourcing initiative. Although born in Indi

“A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.” - Proverbs 28:20Powerball jackpots and scratch-off tickets might seem like a shortcut to financial freedom, but should Christians be buying in? Dr. David W. Jones returns to our financial ethics series today to help us think biblically about the lottery and whether it aligns with a life of faithful stewardship.Dr. David W. Jones is Senior Professor of Christian Ethics at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He holds a Ph.D. in Christian Financial Ethics and is the author of Every Good Thing: An Introduction to the Material World and the Common Good for Christians.Quick Wealth vs. Steady StewardshipProverbs 13:11 warns, “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” Hebrews 13:5 exhorts believers to “keep your life free from the love of money and be content with what you have.” These passages highlight the value of work, patience, and contentment—virtues that s

In C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Aslan tells Lucy, “Things never happen the same way twice.” It’s a good reminder that life brings changes. They’re unavoidable, but how we choose to meet them is up to us. Sharon Epps joins us today with sage advice about preparing for life’s transitions.Sharon Epps is the President of Kingdom Advisors, FaithFi’s parent organization. Kingdom Advisors serves the broad Christian financial industry by educating and equipping professionals to integrate biblical wisdom and financial expertise.Lessons from NarniaC.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia holds a surprising amount of wisdom for real life. In one poignant scene, Aslan comforts Lucy Pevensie about the changes she and her siblings are facing. “Things never happen the same way twice,” Aslan tells her. Change is constant, and each new season requires fresh wisdom. Even when we’re no longer in school, the rhythms of August to May still shape our lives and planning.When Life Goes Into Transition, Money Goes Into

“The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.” — Proverbs 14:8Today, we’re continuing our series on temperaments—how our God-given wiring shapes the way we communicate, relate to others, and make financial decisions. Kathleen Edelman is back with us, joined by Rachel Petty, as we take a closer look at the Green temperament and how it influences our approach to money.Kathleen Edelman is the author of I Said This, You Heard That: How Your Wiring Colors Your Communication. She is certified in Biblical Studies and Christian Counseling Psychology and has spent over 30 years coaching clients in the art of effective communication.Rachel Petty is a valued member of Kathleen Edelman’s team and is our Green Temperament representative for this episode. What Are the Four Temperaments?The concept of temperaments dates back to Hippocrates, whom Galen followed in naming the four temperaments. Each temperament is a wiring we’re born with—more like eye color than personality

Getting fit takes willpower. Earning a degree takes determination. Reaching your career goals takes hard work. In short, success takes commitment.And the same is true when it comes to your finances. Today, we’ll explore what changes when you commit to managing money God’s way.You’ve heard the saying, “Things worth doing are worth doing well.” And when it comes to your finances, there are certainly some things worth doing—like saving for the future, creating a spending plan, paying down debt, giving generously, and living with honesty and integrity.If you want to see real results in any area of life, it’s going to take effort—sometimes a lot of it. And that’s true for your financial life, too. Following biblical financial principles takes determination, planning, patience, and even sacrifice. So, why is it worth the effort?Because while commitment requires something of us, it also gives something to us. When we live with faith and integrity in our finances, we experience peace, contentment, and even joy. It’s

“He who has ears, let him hear.” – Matthew 13:9Those were Jesus’ closing words after telling the Parable of the Sower—a story that invites us to listen carefully, not just with our ears, but with our hearts. Today, we’ll look at this story and what it reveals about the heart behind our finances, especially the warning about “the deceitfulness of riches”.The Parable of the Sower and the State of Our HeartsThe Parable of the Sower appears in Matthew 13, Mark 4, and Luke 8. It begins with a farmer scattering seed, which falls on four types of soil. Jesus later explains that the seed is the Word of God, and the soils represent different heart conditions. Some hearts are hard, others shallow. Some are fertile and ready. But one soil in particular draws our attention today: the seed that fell among thorns.In Matthew 13:22, Jesus says,“As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.”Understandi

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” - Proverbs 19:17As Christians, we’re called to be generous, but what does that look like when someone asks for money on the street? Should we give? Is there a better way to help? Today, Dr. David W. Jones joins us to explore the ethics of giving to homeless people and how to show compassion without causing harm.Dr. David W. Jones is Senior Professor of Christian Ethics at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He holds a Ph.D. in Christian Financial Ethics and is the author of Every Good Thing: An Introduction to the Material World and the Common Good for Christians.A Biblical Call to Care for the PoorScripture is clear about God’s concern for the poor and His expectation that we share that concern. Jesus said, “Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you” (Matthew 5:42). The apostle John echoed this, writing, “If anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet

What does it mean to design a family legacy with intention? And how do you make sure that legacy is rooted in faith? Today, we’re talking about the legacy you’ll leave behind—and how to shape it while you still can. Jan Thompson joins us to share how you and your family can ensure your faith is reflected in what you leave behind.Jan Thompson is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®), and the co-founder of One Degree Advisors with over 30 years of experience in financial planning, where she specializes in purposeful financial planning, investment management, and multi-generational legacy coaching. Legacy Is More Than MoneyWhen people hear the word “legacy,” most think of money or assets passed down after death. But that’s only one part. Here are five interconnected aspects of legacy:Financial Legacy – Assets and resources passed on to the next generation.Personal Legacy – Your character, life choices, and how you’ll be remembered.Family Legacy – The stories, traditions, and va

“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.” - Proverbs 20:5Today, we’re kicking off a new series on temperaments, how our God-given wiring shapes the way we communicate, relate to others, and make financial decisions. Kathleen Edelman and Traci Shepherd join us to explore the Red temperament and how it influences our financial decisions.Kathleen Edelman is the author of I Said This, You Heard That: How Your Wiring Colors Your Communication. She is certified in Biblical Studies and Christian Counseling Psychology and has spent over 30 years coaching clients in the art of effective communication.Traci Shepherd is our Red Temperament representative for this episode. What Are the Four Temperaments?For those who are new to the concept of the four temperaments, here is a helpful summary:Yellow (Sanguine): Speaks the language of people and fun – an extroverted, people-oriented personality.Red (Choleric): Speaks the language of power and control – an extroverted, task-o